A lawsuit has been filed in federal court claiming that Disneyland employees snickered and giggled at a disabled woman struggling to get off a Jungle Cruise boat before she fell and broke her leg, ultimately leading to her death from an infection five months later. The family of Joanne Aguilar has filed the lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company, its theme park division and Disneyland.

Disney has denied the allegations and is seeking a jury trial. According to the lawsuit, Aguilar’s family alleges that Disneyland employees did not assist her in getting off the boat and instead snickered and giggled as she struggled. The lawsuit also claims that Aguilar was repeatedly denied help from staff despite her repeated requests for assistance.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for pain, mental suffering, humiliation, medical costs and funeral expenses. It also seeks punitive damages for the defendants’ alleged “reckless and callous indifference” to Aguilar’s suffering. In response to the lawsuit, Disney has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and expressing its sympathy for the family.

The lawsuit is a tragic reminder of the need for improved accessibility and respect for disabled individuals in public spaces. It is unclear what the outcome of the lawsuit will be, but it is a reminder that disabled individuals should always be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of any physical limitations.